How To Overcome Decision Fatigue
Michaela Butterworth, Health Promotion Specialist
You know that overwhelming feeling when you’re faced with a decision but you feel like you just can’t make a decision? That’s decision fatigue. Undoubtedly, we have all experienced decision fatigue during this COVID-19 global pandemic.
It doesn’t matter how strong you are, our ability to make our best choices eventually runs out when we are experiencing decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is the emotional and mental strain that occurs as a result of a burden of choices. It often feels like a deep sense of feeling weary or tired, and it likely affects us more than we realize.
Decision fatigue in employees and co-workers may take the form of making hasty decisions, poor judgement, withdrawing or isolating. Recognizing that stress plays a huge role in your employee’s behaviors can help you understand and discern whether an employee or co-worker is experiencing decision fatigue.
Over time, decision fatigue, which is a type of stress, can lead to mental health issues such as burn out, anxiety or depression, or it can manifest itself as physical symptoms such as irritability, digestive issues or tension headaches.
The best strategy for avoiding decision fatigue and its energy-sapping effects is to consciously plan and strategize. Set yourself, your co-workers and your employees up for success by role modeling and offering these suggestions:
Prioritize and schedule self-care activities. Take 10-minute breaks between work tasks and include activities each day to rest and recharge.
Prioritize tasks. Make a daily priority list and tackle those tasks when your energy is highest.
Practice the pause. Defer major decisions, if possible, to a later time when you feel refreshed.
It also seems the majority of us have a smart phone and are always ‘switched on’. Here are some communication and social media strategies to help combat decision fatigue.
Decide on one method of communication such as email or phone and follow it as much as possible.
Review tasks and priorities weekly with employees to ensure everyone is in the know and on the same page.
Strategically allocate resources to achieve team goals.
When using social media platforms:
Block, unfollow, mute or unfriend people who make you unhappy or who have a negative impact on your mental health.
It’s OK to delay a response or to decide not to respond at all.
Set your own social media boundaries for time and responses.
Avoid ‘blue light’ by not using screens or devices after 9 pm. This can help quality of sleep and rest.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, it is important to visit Valeo’s Crisis Center located at 400 SW Oakley Avenue. Valeo’s Crisis Center never closes, it is a walk-in emergency clinic, with no appointment necessary. Valeo’s 24-Hour Crisis Line is 785-234-3300.
TK
